KARACHI:
The arrival of 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China has allowed for the commencement of the vaccination drive against Covid-19 in Pakistan. This will be bolstered by another lot of around 7 million doses of Oxford’s Astrazeneca vaccine — being a part of the 17 million doses arranged through Covax — which may be available in Pakistan by March. With these initial deliveries, the country’s efforts of securing additional doses should be lauded. As per the schedule given by the government, our doctors and paramedical staff as well as the elderly will get the required vaccine first. Then, it will be made available to other segments of society, subject to its availability.
It is suggested that the private sector be also allowed to import approved vaccines which have proven to be effective against recent variants but under strict guidelines laid down by the authority. This way the vaccine can be made available in reputed hospitals and clinics at a reasonable price within a short span of time. It is also suggested that our politicians voluntarily present themselves to get the shots in order to give a positive message to the masses. This will help in countering any misconceptions about the vaccines.
Abdul Alim Nasir
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2021.
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